Nationals' Herz Nears Return After Tommy John

DJ Herz, a promising left-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals, has made substantial progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. As of March 14, 2026, he successfully threw off a mound for the first time since his procedure, a critical milestone in his return to the major league mound. This development is a significant positive for the Nationals, whose starting rotation faced considerable challenges last year, finishing with the second-worst ERA in MLB.

Several key pitchers, including Herz, Josiah Gray, and Trevor Williams, were sidelined by injuries in the previous season, impacting the team's performance. With Herz, Gray, and Williams expected to return at various points in 2026, and the front office adding more arms, the team anticipates improved pitching depth. Herz's performance prior to his injury in mid-April 2025 was notable, featuring a 4.16 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 88.2 innings across 19 starts.

Despite the optimism surrounding his potential as a high-strikeout pitcher, there are considerations regarding his effectiveness post-surgery. His Stuff+ and Location+ metrics were respectable, but his walk rate was above league average, and control is often the last aspect to fully recover after Tommy John. The Nationals need to evaluate his current form against MLB hitters this season to determine his future role within the rotation.